Kids Aikido Program

Last Edited: October 2011

Overview & Objectives
Our classes are divided into 2 groups:
Junior Samurai: 5-8 yrs old
Junior Aikidoka: 9-12 yrs old

Aikido is a modern, non-violent martial art based on harmony with self, others
and the universe. Our goal is to provide a non-competitive, mutually supportive
and safe environment for kids so they can experience the fun aspects of Aikido. In
doing so, they will learn to move fluidly with a partner, to apply the principles of
harmony to self-defense, to fall safely, and to relax under pressure. The class will
integrate Aiki games, rolling/falling, role playing situations in which self-defense/
self-protection are needed, and partner practice.
In children's class, Ki (energy) and Aikido training are combined in a
noncompetitive environment to teach children to utilize their full potential.
Learning the principles of mind and body coordination at a young age helps
children direct their energy more positively and effectively, and gives them self-
confidence as they grow.
This training promotes good mental health and physical conditioning. By
applying the principles of Ki, students develop self-discipline, respect for others,
and a positive attitude. They also learn to always do their best, calm their minds,
and concentrate.
These are taught as fundamental applications of Ki and Aikido training.
Development of good learning skills follow: listening, concentrating on the task at
hand, and following it through to completion. Resulting achievements give
children confidence in their abilities; and as they grow up, the tools and direction
of Ki training provide something for them to rely on. A disciplined, cooperative
environment helps them learn to work and grow with others.
Children who practice Aikido learn how to:
be disciplined yet have fun at the same time.
gain confidence.
handle bullies -- not become one.
relax in stressful situations.
focus and concentrate.
coordinate their minds and bodies.
defend themselves.
sit quietly.
fall and roll safely.
listen attentively and take responsibility.
cooperate with others.
remain in balance physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Kids Character Development Through Aikido

Students need more than self defense skills to advance through the ranks. Parents are
encouraged to regularly update the instructors as to behavior and personal values out-
side the dojo.

How is progress measured?

There are 2 methods by which we measure our students progress, by character devel-
opment and their ability to ethically and effectively utilize the self-defense techniques
taught to them.

Character
Character stars are earned by students who show continued development of good
character in and out of the dojo. Each child needs to earn 3 stars on their belt to be
eligible to advance to the next rank.

Technical Skill
Stripes are awarded to students as they demonstrate improvement in the movement
and understanding of techniques. Each student needs to earn 3 stripes on their belt to
be eligible to advance to the next rank.

Rank
Before a student is eligible to test they must have been in class for the minimum
amount of hours since their last test (See Pages 13-16 for guidelines). They must
also have earned 3 stars and 3 stripes on their belt. When these expectations are
met, the student can come in early before classes and ask an instructor to help them
prepare for their test. Once they are cleared by an instructor to test, we will set a
date that works for you.

There are also some age requirements for rank. Children are expected to change
physically and mentally as they grow. Our Aikido program is paced to challenge them
as they grow instead of being something they grow out of.
Kids Safety in Aikido

The safety of your child is paramount to the instructors. The idea of having your child
take up the martial arts can be intimidating. The following information outlines the
features of our program that are designed to make sure your child will have a safe and
enjoyable time.

How we keep kids safe.

The Nature of Aikido as a martial art

Aikido is primarily a grappling style. Kids are taught to respond to punches and kicks
without using punches and kicks. This also eliminates the PowerRanger syndrome.
Your child will not feel the need to punch and kick their siblings, pets, neighbors or what
have you.

Aikido techniques are responsive in nature. Kids are taught to blend with the force of an
attack and not clash with it. Many times it could be thought of as using the attackers
energy against them.

There are no competitions in Aikido. Students are encouraged to work together in a

cooperative setting to figure out the techniques with a partner and are expected to help
each other improve. Technical understanding and execution of Aikido techniques will
not result in injury to a childs training partner. Kids will train with many different
individuals in a single class which improves their social skills and kinesthetic
communication skills.

Ukemi: The Art of Controlled Falling

As soon as a student starts Aikido they start to learn this important skill. Besides keep-
ing them safe in class, Ukemi teaches them how to receive energy from their partner,
improves their coordination and proprioception (understanding how their body and mind
move in space), and is very applicable for protecting themselves from injury outside the
dojo.

Parental Supervision

Parents are not required to stay during class, but they are encouraged to do so. Kids
classes are always in a group setting with parents present. Parents are encouraged to
try our family class out so they can get a better idea of what is happening on the mat
during class.
 What Aikido Isnt

Aikido is not a religious tradition.

Aikido is a completely secular art. On occasion people can misunderstand some

of the
actions that are performed in the dojo as something that is not in concord to their
religious beliefs. Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Therefore, we
practice the traditional Japanese methodology for etiquette. This is a foreign
culture to many Americans. The Japanese do not permit physical contact at an
introduction (no hand-shaking). This was originally designed to keep someone
safe from a potential attack or infection by disease. This is still observed today in
Japan.

Bowing in Japan = Handshake in the USA

When we bow towards the shomen (which is situated towards the East...towards
Japan and literally means front) when getting on the mat it is like ringing a door
bell or knocking before entering someones house.

When we bow to the shomen while leaving the mat, it is being polite and saying
goodbye to the dojo and anyone in it. It is improper etiquette to show your back
to someone and leave without bowing towards them first.

Seiza rei (bowing in before class and at the end of training)

In traditional Japanese homes there are no chairs, so a person does most of their
day-to-day activities from seiza (kneeling with feet under the buttocks).

When we bow towards the picture of OSensei we are acknowledging the gift of
Aikido he gave us. This is in no way idolatry. It is in the Japanese culture to
show respect in this fashion. A good way to think of this is you have a departed
relative that did a lot for you. You remember them, and silently thank them.

Seiza rei in Japan = handshake and a hug in the USA

 What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to as

O Sensei or Great Teacher ). It can be translated as "the path of peace and universal
harmony". On a physical level it involves comprehensive use of effective joint locks,
strikes, throws, standing grappling techniques, manipulations derived from koryu
("old style" or "ancient") forms of Jiu-Jitsu, throws and other techniques derived
from kenjutsu (sword arts) and jojutsu (walking stick arts). Aikido focuses on using
an opponents' energy, and leading their mind to gain control of them, or to throw
them away from you. Aikido places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of
movement. The application of aikido technique requires very little strength,
therefore, aikido can be utilized by older people, women, men, practically everyone!
Most importantly, properly executed aikido techniques will not result in severe injury
to an opponent. Aikido students can find exactly what they are looking for, whether it
is applicable self-defense technique, physical health, peace of mind, or spiritual
enlightenment. O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art,
placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace, as well as
development of the practitioners' character on and off the mat. The Midwest Center
for Movement is affiliated Mid America Aikido Federation. Students receive
internationally recognized rank, and may visit any MAAF school worldwide free of
charge.
 The Founders Dojo Regulations
Aikido decides life and death in a single strike, so students must carefully follow the
instructor's teaching and not compete to see who is the strongest.
Aikido is the way that teaches how one can deal with several enemies. Students must
train themselves to be alert not just to the front but to all sides and the back.
Training should always be conducted in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
The instructor teaches only one small aspect of the art. Its versatile applications must be
discovered by each student through incessant practice and training.
In daily practice first begin by moving your body and then progress to more intensive
practice. Never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably. If this rule is followed, then
even elderly people will not hurt themselves and they can train in a pleasant and joyful
atmosphere.
The purpose of Aikido is to train mind and body and to produce sincere, earnest people.
Since all the techniques are to be transmitted person-to-person, do not randomly reveal
them to others, for this might lead to their being used by hoodlums.

MCFM Aikido Training Rules for students and parents

1. Be on time for class.

2. No shoes on the mat.
3. Bow towards the shomen when you step on the mat and before you leave.
4. If you have to leave early, ask permission first.
5. If you have to leave the mat (i.e. bathroom break), ask permission first.
6. Only helpful talking is allowed on the mat while training.
7. No talking while the teacher is instructing.
8. Be respectful of your teachers and fellow students and parents.
9. Hurting someone on purpose will result in being asked to leave.
10. Do not practice techniques on your friends off the mat.
11. Aikido begins and ends with respect. Pay attention, and learn when to bow.
12. Aiki can be translated as doing the right thing. Try to do the right thing in the dojo and in
your daily life.

Parents, YOU ARE the Most Important Part of Aikido

When you enroll your child in Aikido, we are building a partnership to help your child learn a
self-defense and grow into a fine adult. Your interest and enthusiasm for your child's
participation is crucial to your child's success. We recognize the importance of your
involvement and encourage you to get involved with the children's program. There are a
number of ways to get involved but the best way is to help us teach your child the importance of
Aikido. To do that we ask that you learn some of the aspects of Aikido etiquette and practice.
For example, making sure your child arrives to class on-time, awake and ready. Helping them
learn to tie their gi and belts correctly. Encouraging them by watching classes every three or
four sessions.
 Aikido Vocabulary
This is a basic list of Aikido terms, this is no way complete and there may be alternatives used to describe the same
term. If you have a question, ask your instructor.

Aikidoka A practitioner of aikido.

Bokken or Bokuto Wooden sword. Many aikido movements are derived from traditional Japanese fencing. In
advanced practice, weapons such as the BOKKEN are used in learning subtleties of certain movements, the rela-
tionships obtaining between armed and unarmed techniques, defenses against weapons, and the like.

Dojo Literally "place of the Way." Also "place of enlightenment." The place where we practice aikido. Traditional
etiquette prescribes bowing in the direction of the shrine (KAMIZA) or the designated front of the dojo
(SHOMEN) whenever entering or leaving the dojo.

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita Japanese for "thank you very much." At the end of each class, it is proper to bow
and thank the instructor and those with whom you've trained.

Hakama Divided skirt usually worn by black-belt ranks.

Jo Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The JO originated as a walking stick. It is unclear how it became
incorporated into aikido. Many JO movements come from traditional Japanese spear- fighting, others may have
come from jo-jutsu, but many seem to have been innovated by the Founder.

Kamiza A small shrine, especially in an aikido, generally located the the front of the dojo, and often housing a
picture of the founder, or some calligraphy. One generally bows in the direction of the KAMIZA when entering or
leaving the dojo, or the mat.

Ki Mind. Spirit. Energy.

Reigi Ettiquette. Observance of proper ettiquette at all times (but especially observance of proper DOJO ettiquette)
is as much a part of one's training as the practice of techniques. Observation of ettiquette indicates one's sincerety,
one's willingness to learn, and one's recognition of the rights and interests of others.

Sensei Teacher. It is usually considered proper to address the instructor during practice as "Sensei" rather than by
his/her name. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's DOJO or for an organization, it is proper to
address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat as well.

Shikko Samurai walking ("knee walking"). Shikko is very important for developing a strong awareness of one's
center of mass (HARA). It also develops strength in one's hips and legs.

Ukemi Literally "receiving [with/through] the body," thus, the art of falling in response to a technique. MAE
UKEMI are front roll-falls, USHIRO UKEMI are back roll-falls. Ideally, one should be able to execute UKEMI
from any position and in any direction. The development of proper ukemi skills is just as important as the
development of throwing skills and is no less deserving of attention and effort. In the course of practicing UKEMI,
one has the opportunity to monitor the way one is being moved so as to gain a clearer understanding of the
principles of aikido techniques. Just as standard aikido techniques provide strategies for defending against physical
attacks, so does UKEMI practice provide strategies for defending against falling (or even against the application of
an aikido or aikido-like technique!).
 Aikido Attacks
These are the basic attacks. Japanese is a hieroglyphic (picture based)
language. How they look in English is how they are pronounced.

Shomen uchi: an overhead strike to the head

Yokomen uchi: a side strike to the head or neck

Kosa dori: One hand grabbing the opposite wrist

Katate dori: One hand grabbing one wrist on the same side

Ryote mochi: Two hands grabbing one wrist

Kata dori: Shoulder grab

Ryote dori: Two hands grabbing two wrists

Ryo kata dori: Grabbing both shoulders

Ryo hiji dori: Grabbing both elbows

Munetsuki: Punch to the stomach or chest

Gamnetsuki: Punch to the face

Ushiro dori: Bear hug from behind

Ushiro ryo kata dori: Grabbing both shoulders from behind

 Aikido Defenses

Ikkyo: Arm hold with both hands on outside of arm on wrist and elbow.

Nikyo: Wrist turn in technique.

Sankyo: Wrist twist technique.

Kotegaeshi: Wrist fold down technique.

Yonkyo: Wrist stretch technique.

Hiji otoshi: Elbow drop. Both hands on inside of arm on wrist and elbow.

Tenchinage: Heaven and Earth throw.

Iriminage: Entering throw.

Shihonage: Four Corner throw.

Kokyunage: Breath throw.

Sayunage: Opening flower throw.

Zenponage: Crossed arm (X) forward throw

Sumiotoshi: Corner drop.

Koshinage: Hip throw.

Tai otoshi: Body drop.

O Soto Gaeri: Kumi uge throw with a step behind and turn.
 Principles of Mind/Body Unification
1. Keep One-Point
2. Relax Completely
3. Keep Weight Underside
4. Extend Ki

1. Keep One-Point: Calmly, let your mind settle to the imaginary point about 2 inches below
your naval. In Eastern culture this point is called hara or center. In Western culture, it
would be synonymous with the center of gravity.

2. Relax Completely: Relax your entire body to the point where you are able to maintain
control of your mind and body so that you are not tense, but ready and aware.

3. Keep Weight Underside: All objects naturally, through gravity, keep their weight on the
underside. To keep weight underside means to keep the natural stability of your body with-
out jeopardizing mobility.

4. Extend Ki: Think positively and be ready for action with a calm and flexible mind. Do not
use exessive physical force. Keep a positive attitude. Have soft eyes.

Count to 10 in Japanese

Ichi 1 Ni 2 San 3 Chi (yon)- 4 Go 5

Rok 6 Shichi 7 Hachi 8 Ku 9 Ju 10

In two syllable numbers like Ichi, Shichi, and Hachi, the final
i (pronounced ee) is silent so they would be pronounced: ich,
shich, and hach.
Things to keep in mind.

Other Martial Arts

Be respectful of the other martial arts at all times. Do not get into useless arguments as to which
is "best". Each has its good points and, practiced with sincerity and dedication, provide similar
results. Although our techniques may differ, the mental-physical forging that leads to refinement
of the character is the same. "The mountain does not laugh at the river because it is lowly, and
the river does not laugh at the mountain because it cannot move about." Ridicule others and it
will surely come back to you. As Thumpers mother said, If you cant say something nice,
dont say anything at all.

When people ask you what is Aikido?

Do not use a technique that causes pain on someone who is just asking about Aikido. You could
very well make them think you are a bully, or a not nice person. Tell them more about what
Aikido means to you. If you practice it sincerely, you will have lots to say!

Do not be arrogant
One of my former martial arts instructors said, Dont let knowledge of martial arts go to the
back of your brain tipping your nose up in arrogance. Rather, keep it in the front of your mind
so your head bows in humbleness. If someone challenges you, walk away. Dont fight because
they call you a name or tell you their martial art is better. Two reasons why this is bad:
1) If you fight you will be asked to leave the class for whatever amount of time we determine is
appropriate.
2) If you win, youre a bully. If you lose, youre a loser. Dont put yourself in that position in
the first place.
 MCFM Kids Aikido Rank Requirements
Wearing your uniform:

Your uniform or dogi should:

1) be clean and not wrinkled
2) have school patch on left chest
3) Jacket is worn left side over right side
4) Worn right side out
5) Any Junior Instructor, Junior Leader, Instructor in Training, or Assistant Instructor patches
should be placed on left shoulder
6) award patches (balance, coordination, cooperation, etc.) should be placed on right shoulder
7) Character stars should be ironed on the end of the belt opposite technical stripes (not on the same
side!)

Testing

Students are eligible to begin training for their next test when they have earned 3 stripes and
3 character stars on their belt.

Stripes are symbols of technical ability, attendance, and overall participation.

Stripes are earned by:
1) Working hard on the techniques presented
2) Learning the techniques and principles presented
3) Paying attention while Sensei is demonstrating
4) Learning the names of attacks and defenses
5) Being aware of others and surroundings
6) Using only helpful talking and not messing around

Character Stars are symbols of the most important aspect of Aikido: Masakatsu Agatsu. This literally
means, True Victory is Victory Over Self. These stars are earned by the character and self-control
demonstrated on the mat and in their daily life. Parents, if your child does something particularly good
in their daily life, or particularly bad...let us know. Helping our kids become the best people we can is
our primary goal. And this type of accountability is one of our most powerful teaching tools. These are
much harder to get than stripes.

Stars are earned by:

1) Being honest
2) Being respectful to teachers, other students, parents, friends, and people outside the dojo
3) Helping without being asked
4) Being a role model
5) Observing proper etiquette
6) Having the courage to do the right thing
7) Being sincere
8) Being loyal
9) Exhibiting self-control

Once your child has 3 stars & 3 stripes on their belt they can come in early and ask an
instructor to help them with test preparation. Each child learns at his/her own speed. We
want testing to be a positive experience! We will prepare your child to test and then we
will set a date that works for you.

Scarlet Stars : These stars are awarded to kids who perform an act that exemplifies the
kind of person we all want them to be. These are extremely difficult to get. Acts of self-
lessness, charity, helpfulness, heroism, and caring can be a reason to award this star.
 Minimum of 12 class days after getting 3rd stripe and 3rd star
Forward Rolls, Backward Rolls, Shikko (samurai walk), Kokyu dosa.
Yellow Belt Escapes from grabs
Be able to tie belt and wear uniform correctly
Shomen uchi: ikkyo, hiji otoshi, iriminage (from standing and kneeling)
Ryote dori: Tenchinage (from standing and kneeling)
Define: Aikido, Onegai Shimasu
What to do when confronted by an attacker

Minimum 20 class days since 3rd stripe and star

Blue Belt
Anything from previous tests
Hip movement ground drill (worm dance)
Ryote dori shihonage
Ryote mochi kokyunage tenkan
Kata tori ikkyo (static and oncoming)
Must answer 2 question on Aikido history & philosophy
1) Who is the Founder of Aikido?
2) What is most important in Aikido for you?

Minimum 32 class days since 3rd stripe and star

Green Belt
Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 2 Aiki Taiso
Katate dori sayunage
Junior Leader Kosa dori zenponage
Munetsuki kotegaeshi
Ryote dori mawashi (reverse) kotegaeshi
Kumi uge Osoto Gaeri
Must answer 2 questions on Aikido history & philosophy

Additional Techniques for Junior Aikidoka:

Shomen uchi Iriminage

Kumi uge Toma nage

Minimum 50 class days from previous test

Red/White Stripe
Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 2 Aiki Taiso
Unbendable arm, immovable posture, Keep one-point while standing
Yokomenuchi Shihonage
Yokomenuchi hiji-otoshi (continuous) and to pin when directed
Ushiro ryo kata dori sayunage
Katate tori Iriminage
Front and rear choke defenses
Must answer 2 questions on Aikido application to daily life

Additional Techniques for Junior Aikidoka:

2 person push Jiyu waza

Knee press turn over and scissors sweep from guard position
 Minimum 70 class days from previous test
Red Belt
Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 3 Aiki Taiso
1 defense from each attack called by tester
Instructor Trainee Six step paired jo kata
Must answer 2 questions on Aikido application to daily life
Kumi jo Ten nage part
2 person Shomenuchi jiyu waza

Kids will wear black pants with their uniform when they reach this level.
($20) If they are tall enough, we will be able to get them a hakama for an
additional cost.

Minimum 90 class days from previous test

Brown/White Stripe
Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 4 Aiki Taiso
2 defenses from each attack called by tester
Asst. Instructor Kengi 1
Must attend Ki Development class
2 person jiyu waza from any attack
3 techniques from jo nage
Must answer 2 questions on Aikido application to daily life
You will be expected to start a training and your history in Aikido Note-
book

Must earn 3 stripes on Brown/White Belt, minimum 100 class days since
Brown/Gold 3rd stripe

Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 5 Aiki Taiso

2 defenses from each attack called by tester
3 Person Jiyu waza from any attack
Must attend Randori Class
Must attend 5 adult basic aikido classes or family classes before test
Must answer 2 questions on Aikido application to daily life
Training Notebook must be reviewed by instructor

Must earn 3 stripes on Brown/Gold Belt, minimum 100 class days since 3rd
stripe
Jr. Brown Belt
Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 5 Aiki Taiso
Jr. Instructor 2 defenses from each attack called by tester
3 Person Jiyu waza from any attack
Jogi 1
Kengi 1
Must attend Randori Class
Must attend 5 adult basic aikido classes or family classes before test
Must answer 2 questions on Aikido application to daily life
Training Notebook must be reviewed by instructor
 Must earn 3 stripes on Brown/Gold Belt, minimum 100 class days since 3rd
Brown With Black Stripe stripe

Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 5 Aiki Taiso

2 defenses from each attack called by tester
3 Person Jiyu waza from any attack
Jogi 1
Kengi 1
Must attend Randori Class
Must attend 5 adult basic aikido classes or family classes before test
Must answer 2 questions on Aikido application to daily life
Training Notebook must be reviewed by instructors

Must earn 3 stripes on Brown/Black Belt, minimum 100 class days since 3rd
Black with White Stripe stripe

Anything from previous tests + Demonstrate 5 Aiki Taiso

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
3 defenses from each attack called by tester
3 Person Jiyu waza from any attack
Jo Ken Waza
Jo Jiyuwaza
Must attend Randori Class
Must attend 5 adult basic aikido classes or family classes before test
Must write a paper on an Aikido based subject
Training Notebook must be reviewed by instructors

Black/Yellow Stripe Black/Blue Stripe Black/Green Stripe

Black/Red Stripe Black/Purple Stripe

These are the highest ranks earned in the Kids Program. Timing of these tests is at the sole discretion
of the Chief Instructor. When you are ready to test at these ranks you will receive your test
requirements and all requirements to achieve these ranks.

Must earn 3 stripes on Brown, minimum 130 class days since 3rd stripe
Purple Belt Must be 12-13 years old
Must exhibit maturity to be in adult class
This is the adult Yonkyu (4th kyu) test, you will be in the adult
class after this test!
If possible you may be asked to help teach kids class on occasion.
2 defenses from called attacks, 2 person randori, kokyudosa